REGAIN CONTROL: Focused Ultrasound for a Tremor-Free Tomorrow

Arthur, of Ballston Spa, New York, joined this milestone when he received the treatment in December 2025. Before his procedure, Arthur struggled with severe tremors in his arms, hands, shoulders and chest, making simple tasks like eating and drinking nearly impossible.

“When I tried to drink something, I would shake and spill it all over,” Arthur shared. Eating soup was equally frustrating. “By the time I managed to get it on the spoon, it would all fall back in the dish.”

After trying medications and Botox injections without success, Arthur learned about Focused Ultrasound at UHS and traveled over two hours from his home in the Albany area for the procedure. The results were life-changing.

“I’d like to thank the providers and staff at UHS for what they’ve done for me, and what they will do for others like me in the future,” Arthur said. “They explained each step of the procedure, so I always knew what to expect.”

Now with his symptoms relieved, Arthur looks forward to regaining independence in daily life. “I would highly recommend the procedure to anyone experiencing these symptoms. Focused Ultrasound was the treatment I needed.” 

Focused Ultrasound is a state-of-the-art procedure that uses sound waves guided by MRI to treat the source of the tremor with no need for incisions or permanent implants. The procedure treats one side of the brain at a time, relieving tremor symptoms on one side of the body. After a minimum of nine months, patients can elect to treat the other side, if needed.

David, of Binghamton, New York, became UHS’ 100th Focused Ultrasound patient when he received his second procedure in December 2025. For David, undergoing the procedure was important for his line of work. “I test circuit boards for a living, and the last thing you want to do is drop one,” David shared. “It was a big concern for me, because I like working and I want to keep working – so that brought me to seek out Focused Ultrasound.”

Diagnosed over a decade ago, David initially managed his tremor with medication, but symptoms persisted and affected his confidence. “It can be unnerving to have other people notice the shaking, and wondering what’s wrong,” he shared, noting the effect the tremor had impeding his overall quality of life.

When UHS began offering Focused Ultrasound in late 2024, David was eager to undergo the procedure. The results from his first side procedure were immediate: “Afterwards, the effects were amazing. I could carry things in my right hand again, and my hand was perfectly steady,” he said.

David also noted his recovery was quick – he returned to work just days after his procedure. One of the many benefits of Focused Ultrasound for patients is the speedy recovery time. Focused Ultrasound is an outpatient treatment, with patients returning home on the same day.

Nearly a year later, David was excited to receive his second side procedure. While he was happy to have a steady right hand, he couldn’t wait for the second treatment to restore a sense of balance and overall confidence in his physical well-being. “It’s not just about reducing the shaking – it improves your whole quality of life,” David said. “Thanks to Focused Ultrasound, I don’t have to worry anymore.”

As an additional benefit, David shared that he was looking forward to no longer taking prescribed medications to treat his tremor, which he noted were less effective and could have side effects. For patients with essential tremor, Focused Ultrasound represents a far more effective – and permanent – treatment than the options available before.

Of his care experience at UHS, David shared that he felt supported throughout the entire journey. “With the support I received from the providers and staff at UHS, I never felt nervous or had any doubts about the procedure,” he said. “Any questions I had were answered clearly and thoroughly, and everyone I’ve interacted with has been so reassuring every step of the way.”  
 

Eugene, a resident of of Buffalo, New York, became part of this milestone day upon receiving the treatment in December 2025. Eugene is a priest, and the symptoms of his essential tremor were beginning to impede his ability to carry out his duties. “It was becoming difficult for me to say mass and administer the sacraments, because of the fear of dropping things or not being able to do something properly,” Eugene shared.

Daily tasks were also a struggle. “I had to start using two hands to perform simple tasks, such as brushing my teeth or holding a glass of water,” Eugene said. “I needed help to bring food to the table, and trying to eat was very difficult.”

After trying medication and Botox injections without success, Eugene learned about Focused Ultrasound. Initially, the nearest options were in New York City and Boston, but when UHS began offering the procedure, he decided to make the three-hour trip from Buffalo.

The results exceeded his expectations. “The travel was worth it, ”Eugene said, encouraging others to consider the treatment. “To be able to do simple things by myself again, without help, is a wonderful feeling.”

With his symptoms relieved, Eugene looks forward to returning to his daily life with restored confidence. “Before, I would refuse dinner invitations, because I was self-conscious of the tremor. Now, I’m looking forward to going out again.”

Eugene also praised the UHS team who helped him through the procedure, making the entire process worry-free. “Everyone who worked with me – doctors, nurses, technicians – have been so patient and helpful,” he said. “The procedure itself was simple – all thanks to the wonderful care I received. Through the whole process, I was perfectly at ease.”